TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda are both exceptional choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump that allows for an immersive typing experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Holy Panda is praised for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack" sound with each key press, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a polished and low-pitched typing experience, the Holy Panda delivers an invigorating and snappy feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Invyr Holy Panda are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material of the two switches. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material used in the top housing. On the other hand, the Holy Panda also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
In terms of overall typing experience, the split between the top and bottom housing materials can result in a unique feel for each switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This combination of different housing materials allows for a more dynamic typing experience, catering to individuals who value both sound quality and tactile feedback in their mechanical switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Holy Panda is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option as it requires less force to activate a keystroke. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Holy Panda due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal typing style and preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being on the shallower side and the Holy Panda offering a slightly deeper press. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more robust press may lean towards the Holy Panda. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is known for its sharp and bright "clack" with each keystroke, providing a more pronounced and audibly satisfying feedback. Depending on your personal preference and typing environment, you can expect a subtle and subdued sound from the Gold Brown Pro, while the Holy Panda will deliver a more vibrant and resonant typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. This switch provides a comfortable and consistent feel for extended typing sessions without being too overwhelming. In contrast, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is characterized by being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, delivering a more intense and reactive tactile feedback. The Holy Panda switch's prominent tactility and snappy response can create a highly immersive typing sensation, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is perfect for users who value a subtle and understated tactile experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. Its polished and silky feel ensures a smooth typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda switch is ideal for those seeking a more pronounced and invigorating tactile feedback with a sharp and snappy feel. Whether you prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience or a louder and more intense feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the type of tactile feedback and sound profile you prefer. If you value a subtle and understated tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek pronounced feedback with a bright "clack" sound, the Invyr Holy Panda is the switch for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.